Cart

Flag Care Instructions

There is no flag can last forever in the world, but we can take care properly to ensure the best and longest lasting life for your flag .

Once you’ve purchased your new American Flag, it’s important to learn some basics flag care instructions about how to properly use and care for your flag.

Flag Use and Care Instructions:

1: Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear. In particular, look for “normal wear” fabric or thread breaks that may occur at the fly end. This is the end that is furthest from the staff. Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend the life of your flag.

2: Do not fly your flag where wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables or buildings. The smallest tear can soon result in a tattered flag. Keep flagpole surfaces free of heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion. They can damage your flag.

3: For optimum life, do not fly your flag in snow, heavy rain or abnormally high winds.

4: Should the flag become wet it should be hung or laid flat and allowed to dry. Do not fold or roll up a wet or damp flag.

5: To keep its rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly before soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne pollutants set in the fabric. Outdoor flags can be machine washed on gentle cycle in cold water then thoroughly rinsed and spread or hung to dry. Make sure the flag is completely dry before putting it away.

6: When taking the flag down at the end of the day, it is fine to fold it in a square. The military fold is not required. The Flag Code of the United States advises that the U.S. Flag should be handled with respect but does not mandate folding the Flag into any particular shape.

7: Flags made of nylon with gold fringe should be dry-cleaned only. The gold fringe is not color fast. Outdoor flags made of nylon material may also be dry-cleaned but flags made of polyester material such as Tough Tex should not.

8: Regardless of how well it is constructed a flag is made of cloth and sooner or later will succumb to the elements. However it is well documented that reasonably good care can contribute greatly to a longer life.

How to fold the Flag

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 2

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 3

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 4

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Step 5

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 6

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 7

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

Additional Flag Care tips

1. Only flags made specifically for exterior use should be flown outdoors.2. Take down your flag prior to storms whenever possible.3. Minimizing your flag’s exposure to rain, snow, or abnormally high winds will increase its life considerably.4. Do not place a flag where the wind will whip it against rough or sharp surfaces to avoid tearing.5. If damage occurs, the worn part should be cut off and hemmed.6. Do not fold or roll up a wet or damp flag.7. Should your flag become wet, it must be spread out and allowed to dry completely.8. Wet flags will likely mildew and cause damage to the fabric.9. A clean flag will last the longest.10. Pollutants in the air can get into the fabric and cause it to degrade.11. Keep your flag away from chemicals and petroleum products.12. Outdoor flags can be hand washed with warm water and a mild soap and then spread out and allowed to dry.13. Do not allow your flag to stand in wash water.14. Indoor flags are usually damaged by neglect.15. If possible, long exposure to direct sunlight on your indoor flag should be avoided.16. Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags.17. Transporting your flag in a carrying case before and after parade use is recommended.